A CANNABIS farm was discovered when fire broke out in a bedroom.

Firefighters were called to an end terrace house in Richmond Terrace, on the corner of Sandon Street, Darwen, where smoke was billowing from the windows and chimney.

They broke into the property just after 3pm yesterday by smashing an upstairs window and found the cannabis factory.

Nobody was home but firefighters rescued two dogs.

The crews also had to break into a neighbouring property to stop the fire from spreading. The unoccupied property had some smoke damage.

Station manager Julian Williams said: “The smoke was really piling out of the roof at one stage.

“It seems at this point that it was accidental, although we don’t know the cause at this stage.

“A full investigation will be carried out into the cause of the fire.”

Onlooker Scott Barker said: “My mum said she saw smoke coming out of all the windows and chimney.

“I came to see what was going on and saw a paramedic car, police car and fire engines.

“There was a great deal of activity in the street.”

Another Sandon Street resident said: “I had just come home when the fire crews arrived.

“There was a lot of smoke coming out of the house and I saw the firemen smash an upstairs window.

“The fire itself seemed under control at that point.

“It must be a horrible thing to come home to. I am just glad nobody got hurt.”

n A 25-year-old man from Darwen has been arrested on suspicion of arson, possession of cannabis and unlawfully extracting electricity.